Dozens of sharp implements including knives and needles have been seized from people inside Dundee Sheriff Court.
An investigation by the Tele has revealed that court security staff have taken more than 50 bladed weapons from people over the last four years.
Nearly 100 syringes and needles have also been seized from folk attending the court, whether as accused or on other business, over the same period.
One politician branded the figures “shocking” – but campaigners say they are working to warn people against carrying knives.
North East region MSP Bill Bowman said: “Many of these items have no place outside the home.
“The figures show knife possession remains a threat. This is shocking and very dangerous.”
Emily Beever, senior development officer at YouthLink Scotland – which is behind the No Knives, Better Lives initiative – said: “Although there has been a dramatic decrease in the incidence of knife crime and handling of offensive weapons in Scotland, prevention, by its very nature, is designed to stop knife crime happening in the first place and, importantly, to prevent it from recurring in the future.
“We have worked closely with Police Scotland Youth Volunteers this year to run prevention sessions with young people in every secondary school in Dundee.”
Other items seized from people include tools, Swiss army knives, pliers, scissors, screwdrivers, glass bottles, dog leads or chains, darts, cameras, crash helmets, a tape recorder and even a musical instrument.
A spokesman for the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service said: “We work closely with partners, including the police, to take all reasonable precautions against dangerous items being introduced into court buildings. Any item which is considered to be a potential risk to public safety could be confiscated on entering a court building.
“The discovery of any weapon or potential weapon by staff is immediately reported to the police.
“Many recorded confiscations are domestic items which people bring to court but are inappropriate to take into a courtroom.
“The method of recording confiscated items was changed from the beginning of last year to focus on items that are clearly prohibitive in nature and a danger to the public.”
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